THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke resumes its NEWMAC schedule with a pivotal showdown against longtime rival Smith College Tuesday evening (6:00 p.m.) at the Turf Field. The Lyons have rolled to three straight wins over the Pioneers thanks to some stellar play on the offensive end of the field. Last year, they used a five-goal performance from attacker Liz Randolph to secure a 14-9 triumph. Smith was paced by midfielder Becky Bracken, who also scored five times. In 47 all-time meetings between the programs, the Pioneers own a narrow 23-22 advantage. The two teams have finished in a deadlock once.
NCAA DIVISION III WEEK: Tuesday's game will be featured by the NEWMAC as part of the inaugural NCAA Division III Week celebration. Around the nation, approximately 450 Division III schools and conferences have joined to highlight the academic and athletic accomplishments of student-athletes, as well as their leadership, community service and campus involvement. A significant percentage of Mount Holyoke students participate in athletics, competing for the love of the game. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments.
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (5-5, 1-2 NEWMAC) has dropped four of its last five games after starting the year with an overall record of 4-1. Attacker Kirsten Kilburn has set the tone for the Lyons with her outstanding all-around play. In addition to piling up 30 points on 27 goals and three assists, the rookie has also chipped in with 44 draw controls, nine caused turnovers and 12 ground balls. She has received help up front by attacker Molly Macdonald, who has poured in a team-best 29 goals. Midfielder Brianne Phelan has added 16 goals and eight assists, while attacker Liz Randolph has found the back of the net 10 times to go with eight assists and 35 draw controls. On the defensive end, Annabel Barrett has amassed 12 cuased turnovers and 33 ground balls. Liz Malenfant and Jamie Theophilos has split time between the pipes for the Lyons, stopping 94 shots.
THE PIONEERS: Smith (6-5, 1-2 NEWMAC) has fallen in two of its last three outings after posting three straight victories in the last week of March. Over the course of the season, the Pioneers have piled up 178 goals. They have been paced by midfielder Meaghan Fileti, who has scored 44 times and dished out nine assists. Fellow midfielder Mckenzie Hessel has been equally impressive at the offensive end, racking up 50 points on 35 goals and 15 assists. Meanwhile, midfielder Becky Bracken has accounted for 41 goals, 32 ground balls, 52 draw controls and 19 caused turnovers. Alina Pechacek has been Smith's featured goalkeeper. In 660 minutes played, she has amassed 120 saves en route to a goals against average of 14.55.
NEXT UP: Both squads are slated to take part in league games on Saturday at noon. Mount Holyoke will close out its home slate versus Babson College, while Smith will visit Wellesley College.
